• All grants to nonprofit organizations should provide direct services to the residents of San Mateo County, California.
  • The foundation distributes approximately one million dollars in grants each year.
  • Most grants range between $5,000 and $15,000.
  • Proposal deadlines are as follows: February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
  • Grant award decisions are made quarterly by the Board of Directors (usually in March, June, September and December).
  • If a proposal has been declined, organizations must wait one year to reapply for funding.
  • All grants are one-year grants.
  • An applicant will usually not receive more than one grant in a 12-month period.
  • An applicant can expect prompt notification once a decision has been reached. Do not hesitate to call the Foundation if you have any questions about the grant making cycle or process.

Please Note:

  • Proposals are only accepted from organizations serving residents of San Mateo County.
  • If you are a returning grantee, please apply for the same grantmaking round as the previous year.
  • If a proposal has been declined, organizations must wait one year to reapply for funding.
  • If you received a declination in response to your proposal and are planning to resubmit, please contact Avani Patel, Senior Program Officer (apatel@pfs-llc.net) to discuss your program prior to applying again.